Located at the foot of the Urca Hill - the first stop of the Sugar Loaf cable car - Praia da Urca is a small, picturesque beach, popular with the residents and families of the affluent neighborhood. Because it is protected by Guanabara Bay, waters are calm but sometimes polluted. The fine sand beach, however, is more than fit for beach activities and sunbathing. Praia Vermelha, closer to the cable car entrance is more crowded with tourists.